Bill Bailey presents environmental award in Somerset

Bill Bailey presented staff and volunteers at the Avalon Wetlands with an environmental award. Credit: ITV News Westcountry

Comedian Bill Bailey was back in his native Somerset to present a special award for environmental work.

The Avalon Marshes on the Somerset levels has been named the "Best Environmental Project" in the National Lottery Awards 2017, winning a public vote.

The Marshes project is made up of many local volunteers, and strives to preserve the landscape and rare wildlife in the area.

For Bill, he was happy to be back in a place he often visited as a child...

The marshes are world famous for incredible displays by flocks of starlings in the winter months.

They come in their thousands to feed and attract birdwatchers from across the UK and further afield.

The marshes are famous for the displays by flocks of thousands of starlings in the winter. Credit: ITV News Westcountry

Staff at the wetlands work hard to preserve the rare habitat. Credit: ITV News Westcountry

The Avalon Marshes came first out of 49 finalists and 1,300 entrants from across the UK.

You can find out more information about the marshes here.

See Nick Smith's report in full: